GwenGwen found this young adult novel when she was strolling through a store, took it home and read it. She liked it so much she was happy to review it for Read, Write, Repeat. So take it away, Gwen …

Reviewer name: Gwen, age 12

Book reviewed: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon (Greenwillow Books, 2009)

This book was about: A girl named Ai Ling who journeys to a palace to save her father from the evil Zhong Ye. Zhong Ye had known Ai Ling in another life as Silver Phoenix. Ai Ling faces many dangerous creatures and meets some new friends on the way.

The best part was when: Ai Ling was traveling with Chen Yong and they meet Chen’s younger brother, Li Rong. Li Rong is my favorite character because he is so funny and is always making jokes.

I laughed when: The two brothers would always try to impress Ai Ling – jokingly that is.

I was worried: At the end of the book because you never know what could happen, especially in this book. It makes you keep guessing.

I was surprised: With the ending because … well … you’ll just have to read the book and find out. If I tell you, it would give it away.

This book taught me: That some people have a different side to them, and maybe there’s something deeper down in them that you have to figure out.

Other people reading this book should: Thank whoever recommended it for them, because it truly is a great book!

Three words that best describe this book are: Incredible, imaginative and magical.

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Black circles burst across her blurred vision. She stumbled away and slumped to the floor, not caring that the corpse of the monster was but a few arms’ lengths away.”

You should read this book because: It really lets your mind wander, and I feel like people can relate to the character’s personalities.

Thanks, Gwen!

Now, I’m back. Silver Phoenix, which, I have to say, has the coolest cover I’ve seen in quite a while, has been nominated for a Cybil Award, and Cindy has a sequel coming out in fall of 2010.

If you’d like to learn more about Silver Phoenix, check out Cindy Pon’s Web site. She’s got information about the book, a blog and other kinds of fun stuff.